Victor out of Arnold???

[tooncesthecat]

I just read this on flex.com. I hope it's not true as I am looking forward to attending this show and would love to see Vic compete!

No, it’s got nothing to do with those Phil Heath pictures we posted yesterday. But we’re hearing the defending Arnold Classic champ and the 2007 Mr. Olympia runner-up may have to bypass this year’s Arnold Classic after popping his kneecap while stretching yesterday.

According to our sources, we’re hearing Martinez, the odds-on favorite to win the Arnold, is going in for an MRI on the knee tomorrow. If that’s the case, the door swings wide-open for a host of competitors – including Heath – to bring home the hardware from the ASC on March 1st.

Stay tuned to flexonline.com for more as this story develops.

[tooncesthecat]

This is from flex.com:

Victor Martinez has officially withdrawn from the Arnold. As reported on flexonline.com yesterday, a knee injury will sideline Martinez for the March 2 contest. Martinez is reportedly undergoing surgery within the next few days.

Martinez, the reigning Arnold Classic champion and the runner--up at last year's Olympia, was the undisputed favorite going into the contest. His withdrawal opens the door for a number of competitors to vault into the top spot at the Arnold.

We wish Victor a speedy recovery and hope to see him at full strength for the 2008 Mr. Olympia.We polled some of the competitors who will be entering the Arnold -- and some who won't -- to get their reactions on Martinez's unexpected and withdrawal.

[tidalwave]

That's terrible. Here's hoping he comes back stronger than ever. This guy deserves the spotlight.

[wildstang]

wouldnt you know it. geez just from stretching. makes me wonder if he had an underlying injury in the process of development.

[FitnessPhotos]

Wow. I've seriously considered not going this year (after covering the last 5)....